Seeds of Mustard Ministries was born out of the death of David James King.
His parents — and co-founders — Nicolette and George King felt that the faith David had declared one month prior to his passing on September 18, 2009, while the rest of his family were on a mission trip in the Dominican Republic, was “small like a mustard seed. But we believed that out of his death there would be a ministry that had branches and provided for the community.”
The name Seeds of Mustard comes from Matthew 13:31: “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
With two branches, Seeds of Mustard is a 501(c)(3) consisting of Workplace Care, which provides care coaches to all types of businesses in the Triangle and beyond to help care for the employees of the companies they serve, and Thrift2Gift located on Cary’s East Chatham Street.
Read on as Nicolette King sows some wisdom on Thrift2Gift.
What is Thrift2Gift’s aim?
Our mission is to operate a Kingdom-minded thrift store that provides funding to like-minded Christian-based nonprofits, both locally and beyond, that assist children and families in crisis situations in the name of Jesus Christ. Secondarily, it is to provide our staff, customers, donors, and volunteers the opportunity to experience the love of Jesus Christ while working together to serve and provide our community with an outlet to donate and purchase gently used items at great prices.
Please share more about Thrift2Gift’s giving initiatives and local impact.
Our giving is approximately 90% to Triangle nonprofits, with 10% or so going to foreign missions. We look to donate funds to nonprofits whose mission it is to assist children and families in crisis or need and that provide both a service and Biblical example of serving others like Jesus taught.
Always busy, George and Nicolette King share a laugh while sorting donated goods.
How do volunteers help with running Thrift2Gift?
We have regular and community service volunteers; both are vital to our work. Regular volunteers assist and support in specific areas on a weekly basis. Community service volunteers allow us to interact with individuals who need hours for the courts or for school service. We are privileged to work alongside them, showing them how business and ministry can help the community.
What can be found inside your large facility?
With approximately 20,000 square feet, we are maybe the largest Cary thrift store in retail square footage. We have everything from clothing to housewares, sports, furniture, books, linens, artwork, medical items, toys, and school supplies.
What are the most sought-after items?
Clothes, housewares, and furniture are top sellers, but every day is a virtual treasure hunt because, thanks to our wonderful donors, we constantly replenish our inventory.
What is the process for donating to Thrift2Gift?
We accept donations Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., receiving them in our back parking lot donation drop-off area, which is clearly marked with signage. We have a list on our website of items that we cannot accept.
Do you have returning customers? What feedback do you receive?
We have numerous loyal customers, many of whom are shared among other great Cary thrift stores. We hear from customers that we have great prices, wonderful organization, and a friendly team that welcomes and assists them — we routinely help customers by taking their bags or boxes of purchases to their cars. We also get lots of comments about the contemporary Christian music we play in the store.
Arms reaching, Nicolette King gives scale to a mountain of donated winter coats at the thrift’s warehouse.
How did the pandemic affect our community?
The pandemic emphasized the importance of having low-priced, great-quality merchandise for customers to purchase. I think we have recovered from the pandemic but not from a rising cost of goods. Our customers are facing extreme inflation and the rising cost of clothes and basic household items. Generous donors help us to repurpose donations for many budget-conscious people.
How can readers show support for Thrift2Gift?
Donations of items sustain us and allow us to pass them along at reasonable prices to a population that is budget conscious. Also, consider becoming a regular volunteer! We have many areas that align with people’s passions and gifts.
What do you believe David would think of your inspiring work since his passing?
It is our hope that he would see how his small seed of faith grew to affect so many, and that looking beyond ourselves — while not a natural inclination — with faith in God can accomplish much.
Any upcoming events?
On April 1, 2025, we will celebrate 15 years of ministry. We will have a community event around that date with sales, maybe some food trucks, and worship time.
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